Search Decisions

Decision Text

USMC | DRB | 2002_Marine | MD02-00067
Original file (MD02-00067.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied


DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
NAVAL DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD (NDRB)
 DISCHARGE REVIEW
DECISIONAL DOCUMENT


ex-LCpl, USMC
Docket No. MD02-00067

Applicant’s Request
The application for discharge review, received 011002, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to general/under honorable conditions. The applicant requested a personal appearance hearing discharge review before the Board in the Washington National Capital Region. The applicant did not list any representative on the DD Form 293. In the acknowledgement letter to the applicant, he was informed that the Naval Discharge Review Board first conducts a documentary review prior to any personal appearance hearing.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 020620. After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, NDRB discerned no impropriety or inequity in the characterization of the applicant’s service. The Board’s vote was unanimous that the character of the discharge shall not change. The discharge shall remain: UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/IN LIEU OF TRIAL BY COURT-MARTIAL, authority: MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6419.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION


 Issues

1. I'm requesting that my discharge be upgraded from Other Than Honorable to a General Discharge. In 1983, my ability to serve was impaired because of family problems and a paternity case proving me the father of two identical baby girls, just prior to be ordered to Japan. Also, at the same time my parents informed me they were getting a divorce. I tried to work with my command at the time in hopes of postponing my deployment, but the command said there was nothing they could do. At the time, I felt as though my entire world was falling apart and no one in the Marine Corps understood or would listen, so in my confused state I went AWOL on 19980527, I turned myself into Security Battalion at Quantico, VA. Before going AWOL, I was a dedicated Marine who had received two meritorious promotions and had no negative marks in my service record. During my absence, I volunteered at a local rescue squad, attaining my EMT and firefighter certification. I also enrolled at Old Dominion University. After my discharge, I graduated from Old Dominion University with honors. Today, I'm an outstanding productive member of society who attempting to enter medical school. I know that in 1983, I made some bad decision and have no one to blame but myself. However, under similar circumstances today, I believe the Marine Corps would take a different stance regarding my personal problems and my discharge would be at least, General under Honorable Conditions. It is this reason that I'm requesting a chance to plead my case to the Discharge Review Board. Thank you for your attention.

Documentation
In addition to the service record, the following additional documentation, submitted by the applicant, was considered:
Copy of Transcript from Old Dominion University (2pgs)
Letter from Applicant (3pgs)

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

 Prior Service (component, dates of service, type of discharge):
         Active: USMC              None
          Inactive: USMCR(J)                821222 - 830103  COG

 Period of Service Under Review :
Date of Enlistment: 830104               Date of Discharge: 980713

 Length of Service (years, months, days):
         Active: 01 01 11
          Inactive: None

 Age at Entry: 19                          Years Contracted: 4
Education Level: 12                        AFQT: 85

 Highest Rank: LCpl
Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

 Proficiency: 4.3 (2)                       Conduct: 4.3 (2)
Military Decorations: None

 Unit/Campaign/Service Awards: None
Days of Unauthorized Absence: 5214
Character, Narrative Reason, and Authority of Discharge (at time of issuance):

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/IN LIEU OF TRIAL BY COURT-MARTIAL, authority: MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6419.

 Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events :

840314:  Applicant declared a deserter on 840214 having been an unauthorized absentee since 0821, 840214 from 7 th Motor Transport Battalion, 1 st Force Service Group, located at Camp Pendleton, California.
980527:  Applicant surrendered to military authorities on 980527 (1845) at Security Battalion MCB Quantico, VA. Returned to military control 980527 (1845). Retained.
980624:  Applicant, having consulted with counsel certified under UCMJ Art 27b, requested discharge for the good of the service to escape trial by court- martial. In the request the applicant noted that his counsel had fully explained the elements of the offenses for which he was charged and that he understood the elements of the offenses. He further certified a complete understanding of the negative consequences of his actions and that characterization of service would be under other honorable conditions. The applicant admitted guilt to the following violations of the UCMJ, Article 86: Unauthorized absence.
980630:  SJA concurred with the recommendation of the Commanding Officer, Security Battalion to separate applicant with a discharge under other than honorable conditions.
980707:  GCMCA [Commanding General] determined that applicant had no potential for further service, that separation in lieu of trial by court-martial was in the best interest of the service, and directed discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of conduct triable by courts-martial.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

 Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 980713 under other than honorable conditions in lieu of trial by court-martial (A and B). The Board presumed regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs (C). After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, the Board found that the discharge was proper and equitable (D and E).
Issue 1. A characterization of service of under other than honorable conditions is warranted when the member's conduct constitutes a significant departure of that expected of a Marine. The applicant’s service was marred by a 14 year desertion. While he may feel that he had personal problems at the time that contributed to his actions, the record clearly reflects his willful disregard for the requirements of military discipline and demonstrated that he was unfit for further service. The record is devoid of evidence that the applicant was not responsible for his conduct or that he should not be held accountable for his actions. An upgrade would be inappropriate. Relief denied.
The applicant’s discharge characterization accurately reflects his service to his country. The discharge was proper and equitable. Normally, to permit relief, an error or injustice must have existed during the period of enlistment in question. No such error or injustice is evident during the applicant’s enlistment. Additionally, there is no law, or regulation, which provides that an unfavorable discharge may be upgraded based solely on the passage of time, or good conduct in civilian life, subsequent to leaving the service. However, the NDRB is authorized to consider outstanding post-service factors in the recharacterization of a discharge, to the extent that such matters provide a basis for a more thorough understanding of the applicant’s performance and conduct during the period of service under review. Verifiable proof of any post-service accomplishments must be provided in order for the applicant to claim post-service conduct and behavior as a reason to upgrade a less than Honorable discharge. Evidence of continuing educational pursuits, an employment record, documentation of community service, certification of non-involvement with civil authorities and proof of his not using drugs, are examples of verifiable documents that should have been provided to receive consideration for relief, based on post-service conduct. The applicant did not provide sufficient documentation to warrant an upgrade to his discharge. He is reminded that he remains eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided an application is received, at the NDRB, within 15 years from the date of his discharge. The applicant can provide additional documentation to support any claims of post-service accomplishments at that time. Legal representation at a personal appearance hearing is highly recommended but not required. Relief denied.




Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)
A. Paragraph 6419, SEPARATION IN LIEU OF TRIAL BY COURT-MARTIAL , of the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16E), effective
18 Aug 95 until present.
B. The Manual for Courts-Martial authorizes the award of a punitive discharge if adjudged as part of the sentence upon conviction by a special or general court-martial for violation of the UCMJ, Article 86, unauthorized absence for more than 30 days.
C. Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 2, AUTHORITY/POLICY FOR DEPARTMENTAL DISCHARGE REVIEW.

D. Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 9, paragraph 9.2, PROPRIETY OF THE DISCHARGE.

E. Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 9, paragraph 9.3, EQUITY OF THE DISCHARGE.

PART IV - INFORMATION FOR THE APPLICANT
If you believe that the decision in your case is unclear, not responsive to the issues you raised, or does not otherwise comport with the decisional document requirements of DoD Directive 1332.28, you may submit a complaint in accordance with Enclosure (5) of that Directive. You should read Enclosure (5) of the Directive before submitting such a complaint. The complaint procedure does not permit a challenge of the merits of the decision; it is designed solely to ensure that the decisional documents meet applicable requirements for clarity and responsiveness. You may view DoD Directive 1332.28 and other Decisional Documents by going online at “ afls10.jag.af.mil ”.

The names, and votes of the members of the Board are recorded on the original of this document and may be obtained from the service records by writing to:

                   Naval Council of Personnel Boards
                   Attn: Naval Discharge Review Board
                   720 Kennon Street SE Rm 309
                   Washington Navy Yard DC 20374-5023      


Similar Decisions

  • USMC | DRB | 2002_Marine | MD02-00823

    Original file (MD02-00823.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    MD02-00823 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review, received 020517, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable or entry level separation or uncharacterized. The Applicant requested a documentary record discharge review and a personal appearance hearing in the Washington National Capital Region. Thanks, (Signed by the Applicant) Documentation Only the Applicant's service record was reviewed, as the Applicant did not provide...

  • USMC | DRB | 2003_Marine | MD03-00566

    Original file (MD03-00566.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    MD03-00566 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review was received on 20030213. The Applicant requests the characterization of service received at the time of discharge be changed to honorable. PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

  • USMC | DRB | 1999_Marine | MD99-00479

    Original file (MD99-00479.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, NDRB discerned no impropriety or inequity in the characterization of the applicant’s service. PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW Discussion The applicant was discharged on 850701 under conditions other than honorable in lieu of trial by court-martial (A and B). After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to...

  • USMC | DRB | 1999_Marine | MD99-00606

    Original file (MD99-00606.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    MD99-00606 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review, received 990326, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to general/under honorable conditions. After being hesitant about signing for 4 years, he told me I could always get out if it didn't work out for me. He told me I'd just have to leave if I wanted out.

  • USMC | DRB | 2002_Marine | MD02-00707

    Original file (MD02-00707.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    MD02-00707 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review, received 020422, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable. The Applicant requested a documentary record discharge review. Documentation In addition to the service record, the following additional documentation, submitted by the Applicant, was considered:Applicant's DD Form 214 Seventeen pages from Applicant's service record PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE Prior Service...

  • USMC | DRB | 2002_Marine | MD02-00890

    Original file (MD02-00890.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    MD02-00890 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review, received 020606, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable. Sincerely Documentation In addition to the service record, the following additional documentation, submitted by the Applicant, was considered:Copy of DD Form 214 (Member 1 and 4) Sixty-six pages from Applicant's mother (medical and police files) PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE Prior Service (component, dates of service,...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2001_Navy | ND01-00358

    Original file (ND01-00358.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    Relief is not warranted.The applicant’s second issue states: “My discharge was oppressive because the naval authority in Treasure Island Naval Station in San Francisco, CA never considered for a moment that my failure to return to my Command was due to humanitarian reasons brought about by the need to take care of my grandmother (who incidentally died at the age of 90 at our house in the Philippines) when I saw her sorry state during my duly approved vacation to the Philippines.” The...

  • USMC | DRB | 2001_Marine | MD01-01203

    Original file (MD01-01203.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    MD01-01203 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review, received 010920, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable. Documentation In addition to the service record, the following additional documentation, submitted by the applicant, was considered:Copy of DD Form 214 PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE Prior Service (component, dates of service, type of discharge): Active: None Inactive: USMCR(J) 840601 - 850523 COG Period of Service Under...

  • USMC | DRB | 2001_Marine | MD01-00122

    Original file (MD01-00122.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    MD01-00122 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review, received 001102, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable. He would try to intimidate me in the shop everyday, by forcing respect from me, so the Marine sergeant requested that I be on this operation with him. At this time the applicant has not provided sufficient documentation of good character and conduct.

  • USMC | DRB | 1999_Marine | MD99-01237

    Original file (MD99-01237.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    MD99-01237 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review, received 990921, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable. I know that I had a job to do within the corps, but she called me every day, and so when I finally came home on leave, I didn't come back on time and I didn't have any more leave time left. After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, the Board found that...